In the first six months of 2007, the resort has already attracted nearly £50million of new conference business for the next 10 years.

With the European Capital of Culture and Open Golf Championships fast approaching, Sefton Council's Conference and Corporate Sales team has been working around the clock to generate extra business for the resort.

During 2008, more than 20 major conferences are already booked in with organisations like ROOTS (Salvation Army), Rotary, International Dance Teachers Association (IDTA) and the National Childminding Association.

Conference and corporate sales manager for Sefton Council, Maxine McCarthy, said: "We are thrilled that we have been able to secure so much business for Southport at such an early stage.

"Business tourism is a big part of Southport's future and I am delighted that we are already in such a good position for what will be a major year for Southport, Sefton and Merseyside."

Work has begun on the town's multi-million pound new hotel and business complex, which will provide a four-star hotel, 10,000 sqft of exhibition space, restaurants, bars and a casino.

To find out more about conferencing in Southport, go to www.visitsouthport.com